Today, April 24th, is officially Etsy day! I have mentioned in many a blog post my Etsy shop, but here is my opportunity to tell you all about how much I love Etsy.com!
I first signed up for Etsy in August of 2007. I had poked around a bit on the site and saw some fabulous shops and sellers, but couldn't really justify purchasing things and I was very hesistant to list my journals and goods. Earlier that year, I started participating in craft fairs and loved the customer/seller interaction. I really got (and still get) so much gratification from someone thumbing through the pages of one of my journals or marvelling at a book spine bracelet ("This is a spine from a book?!"). I know, I am a bit of a sap, but I really feared that selling online would be too impersonal and I just wasn't willing to try... until the summer of 2008!
My first few listings were pretty abbysmal... poor photos, weak copy, just kind of boring more than anything. Since January of this year, I've really tried to make my shop the very best it can be with more engaging photos, titles, descriptions, tags, etc. I try to list new items regularly, keep things fresh! What kept me willing to put so much effort into maintaning a stronger shop? The customer/seller interaction is still there - it is a little different, sure, but it's there and it's great!! Have a question about a product? Like something but wonder if it can be customized for your needs? Need expedited shipping? Send a convo! I've had really great exchanges with many buyers and sellers via Etsy that I would never get to meet at a local craft fair!
Also, since the first of the year I have been more active as a buyer on Etsy. I found a great soap maker who was really helpful in suggesting the best soaps she makes for my sensitive skin. I've bought bags, cards, gifts, & other silly things, and I've been lucky to receive a few gifts that I know were purchased on Etsy!
Have you bought anything on Etsy? Tell me all about it! Sign up today and enjoy a lot of neat features for buyers like the "heart" system which allows for you to create a list of your Favorites! I use it all the time - here's mine. Go on, explore Etsy.com already....
2 Comments:
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now on sale in my etsy shop!
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the bit about "my first few listing were pretty abbysmal" sounds so familiar! i can't believe some of my first listings ever sold! it's outstanding how far we've all come as a collective group in photographing and listing our work. your shop looks great these days!
ps. i'll see you at fishtown shad fest and art star!
i couldn't agree more re: buying on etsy once you're a seller. i gained a whole new appreciation for the work that goes into creating, marketing, item photography, and everything else that goes hand-in-hand with running a shop once i'd started selling.
(i've been following you on twitter but haven't had a chance to stop by until now - love your blog header!)